The Standard Australian Classification of Countries (SACC) has been developed by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) for use in the collection, storage and dissemination of all Australian statistical data classified by country. It provides a single classificatory framework for both population and economic statistics.

The SACC (first released in 1998) replaced the Australian Standard Classification of Countries for Social Statistics (ASCCSS) which was published in 1990. The development of the original SACC resulted from the need to update the then existing classification, to incorporate various revision documents issued since 1990, to include groups and entities used in economic statistics, and to address world political changes, such as the break-up of the former USSR.

This SACC, Second Edition, incorporates Revisions 2.01, 2.02 and 2.03 of SACC, First Edition, and changes that have occurred since Revision 2.03. It also includes updated coding indexes based on 2006 Census of Population and Housing responses to 'Country of Birth of Person'.

The ABS has produced this classification in line with its commitment to develop and promote the use of standard classifications, frameworks and definitions to help ensure the compatibility and comparability of data derived from different statistical systems.

As it is the policy of the ABS and Statistics New Zealand (SNZ) to harmonise classifications wherever possible, SNZ was closely consulted during the development of the original SACC. The assistance of the many other organisations and individuals who provided information and advice during the development of the classification is also gratefully acknowledged.

The SACC will continue to be maintained by the ABS and updated as necessary.